Christ Glorified In You

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 KJV 1900

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction

This is the the 2nd letter by the Apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica urging them to continue the work of the gospel faithfully. He commends them for standing firm in the face of persecution. He further explained more about the Day of the Lord and tells idlers in the community to get back to work. Having a true understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire hope for the future and diligence for the here and now.

The 1st chapter of this 2nd letter starts with Paul’s greeting and then goes into a section of thanksgiving that moves to a section of concern.

There was a troubling within the Thessalonian church. Many believed a false report that the Lord had already come or was soon to come that they felt that there was no need to continue to work. Many were dealing with persecution on every hand. My brothers and sisters, I believe that the trouble the faced in Thessalonianica, is similar today. Many because of this pandemic and the limits that we have been given have believed the false news and are unwilling to continue to work for the gospel sakes. “Pastor, we can’t get back in the church; well we still can worship because the building maybe closed but Jesus said “that upon this ROCK, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”

the ROCK wasn’t a physical rock but the revelation that Jesus is the Son of the Living God

In other words, you and I are the church. I’M NOT CLOSED. - I STILL MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV 1900

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

We are bound to thank God for you - It’s a must that I thank God for you - In a selfish world that we live in, the church must not become selfish - rather we are bound to thank God for others

When was the last time we told God thank you for somebody else?

2 things that thank God for

Growing faith

This pandemic has allowed us to hear more preaching than we’ve ever had

Virtual church hop

10am

11am - 12 noon - go to virtual church after Sunday dinner

During the week

Prayer Conference Call - Bible Study

There is no excuse for our faith to grow - because Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God

Faith without works is dead

WORK YOUR FAITH - CAN’T HAVE RETIRED FAITH

Love for one another

Not just for other members in the church

But for those in our community

Jesus said that if we only love those who love us, then we’re no different than those out in the world.

But love for one another perfects us or displays maturity

Timeout for grown babies

Paul said when I was a child, I spoke, understood and thought like one but when I matured and became a man, I put away childish things

Because they were growing in faith and they had love for another, Paul was bragging on them because of their endurance.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 KJV 1900

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

Patience like the letter of James is another word for endurance. The Thessalonians had perservered and was faithful through all the adversity that had to go through.

Can I brag on you a little bit?

You perservered when Hurricane Matthew came through and caused many of you to either relocated temporarily or permanently but you remained faithful.

The buildings were damaged but the church was still moving. We had Sunday services at the Robeson Community College and for those of us who were able to attend; we showed up and praised the Lord.

We moved back in and had some challenges but we remained faithful.

The next year, Hurricane Florence stopped by and it wasn’t as damaging to the building like Matthew but some of our houses had to go through a second renovation but we remained faithful.

We were able to help one another as well as folks in our community. We were able to get back to normal with other challenges but we remained faithful.

In between all of this, some of us had some health issues & some of us had some financial issues. We even had some members to be called home but we remained faithful.

Then 3 months ago; all of us were effected by this virus. It was contracted by some of our loved ones and others we knew. It caused us to move out of the building. It prevented us from hugging one another. It changed our schedule and our plans. It prevented us from seeing those who are sick and shut in.

It has shook our faith but I heard James Cleveland write when he said, I’ve come too far from where we started from - Nobody told me - the road would be easy - I don’t believe He brought us this far - to leave us

So let me leave you with 3 points of glorifying God.

Paul closed this chapter with a word of encouragement to the Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 KJV 1900

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

Learn How To Pray For Others

Paul had made mention of the Day of the Lord - He didn’t know when it would be - but He not only wanted to be ready - but He prayed for others - Yes; I want to be ready - When the Lord returns - but I pray - We’ll all be ready - When He Returns -

In other words - We’ve got to learn to pray for somebody else - Why; you ask - Because somebody prayed for me - Had me on their mind - Took the time and prayed for me - I’m so glad they prayed...

LEARN HOW TO PRAY FOR OTHERS

To Be Counted Worthy of Your Calling

We don’t deserve to be called by God - But I’m glad that the Lord reached down to pick us up - In some cases, The Lord reached way down - to pick us up - from the muck and the mire

He called us - I’m so glad that He called us

So because - we have been called - Let us live a life - That is counted worthy of our calling

What helps us to be counted worthy - is when God’s power is working in us

In other words, we can’t do this own our own - Because we are the branches but He is the vine - We need the power of the Holy Ghost - For Jesus said

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

AND LASTLY.

2 Thessalonians 1:12 KJV 1900

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Name of our Lord Jesus Christ be Glorified

How can I say thanks - For the things - He has done for me - Things - so undeserved - that you gave - to prove your love for me - the voices of a million angels - could not express - my gratitude - all that I am - and ever hope to be - I owe it all to thee -

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE

WITH HIS BLOOD - HE HAS SAVED ME

WITH HIS POWER - HE HAS RAISED ME

TO GOD - BE THE GLORY - FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE